The Name Game: Why Naming a Baby is Hard Work

I’m currently 32 weeks into my third pregnancy, and I have no clue what we’re going to name this baby.

Not. A. Clue.

I wish I were one of those people that had names picked out since the fifth grade and still loved them to this day, but I’m just not. Let’s be honest, in fifth grade I probably would’ve chosen names from “Saved by the Bell.” Can you imagine the Facebook post? “Born today at 7:34 a.m., weighing 7lbs 8oz…SLATER!” So yeah, that would’ve been bad.

Whether your expecting your first baby or your 10th, here’s why I think naming a child is so darn challenging.

1. We “know” too many kids. If you’re a teacher trying to name a baby — God bless you. I don’t even know how you do it! However, in the social media driven world we live in, I feel like even those of us that aren’t teachers “know” hundreds of kids. It seems like every time I move a name to the top of our list, I see three babies born with that name the very next week on social media. Now don’t get me wrong, if I really loved a name and felt like it was the one, I wouldn’t let that bother me, but it always seems to happen just as a name is growing on me.

2. It’s getting hard to be unique without being weird. Growing up, I loved the fact that I was usually the only one with my name. It made me feel unique, and honestly, it made things easier. These days though it’s getting harder and harder to be different without being…well…odd. Sure, she could be the only Whizdom in her class, but she’s probably not going to be too happy about that choice when she grows up.

3. It has to flow well. With a middle name, your last name and if you have other kids, maybe even their names, too. Goodness, it’s like some kind of crazy Sudoku puzzle we have to solve!

4. It has to pass the “Google Test.” As expecting parents, we can’t know everything about every name out there, but Google does. I’ve loved names, only to do a quick search and find out they mean “bringing death” or have terrible nicknames attached to them that hadn’t even crossed my mind.

5. Your husband has to agree. At least mine does, and that can be hard! For girls, I tend to like unisex names and surnames, while my husband prefers more feminine, traditional names. I get a lot of “no ways” and laughs when I throw names out there, and he gets plenty of “never in a million years” from me. If we happen find a name that neither of us hate, it goes on the list!

6. It’s something they’ll have forever. Now that’s a lot of pressure and perhaps why I take this process (probably a little too) seriously. I just want my children to grow up to be proud of their names. I think we all do.

So if you were reading this to get tips on naming your baby, I’m sorry I wasn’t much help. But at least we can commiserate with one another, right?! And the good news is, our babies will all get names and they will all be perfect for them. Until then, send me any suggestions you have. 😉